Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF ST. MARK'S?

If you would like to become a member of St. Mark's, please complete one of the Membership Forms which are located at the back of the Church. You may give it to one of the Ushers on a Sunday or drop it into the office which is open 9am to 1:00pm Monday to Friday. We will then arrange for Father Bob to visit you. If you would like any further information, please call Gillian in the office at: 905-468-3123.
BAPTISMS

Q. I am not a member of St. Mark's. Can I still have my child baptized there?

A. We encourage people to have their children baptized in the church they attend as that is where their religious nurturing will occur. If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact the Rector at 905-468-3123 or at stmarks@cogeco.net

Q. When are Baptisms held?

A. Normally they are held quarterly and are usually in conjunction with other special Holy days, e.g. Easter, Pentecost, All Saints Day, etc. Specific dates will be posted on the website, or contact us at stmarks@cogeco.net

WEDDINGS

Q. I'd like to be married at St Mark's. How do I go about it?

A.. Please contact Gillian in the office either by telephone: 905-468-3123 or by emailing to: stmarks@cogeco.net. She will then check the date and time you wish to be married and send you forms to complete. Once we receive the forms back and they are approved by the Rector, a deposit should be given and this will confirm the date and time of the wedding.

Q. We are not Anglican. Is that a problem? Can we still be married at St. Mark's?

A. Providing at least one of the couple is Christian, then yes you can be married here.

Q. We do not live in Canada. Does that make a difference?

A. Generally no, it does not matter. You must however obtain a marriage licence for the Province of Ontario. Due to border security, sometimes couples may encounter problems with Customs when returning home. It is not likely that this will happen , but if you are concerned, you can have a "civil ceremony" in your home country . Your "Church" ceremony here for the benefit of your guests, will be the same as any other.

Q. We would like to have our marriage at another location (e.g. Queen's Landing, the Park, etc). Can we do that?

A. The Rector does not normally conduct wedding ceremonies "off site". This is for a variety of reasons the main ones being:
a. marriage is a Holy ceremony and should be conducted in the Church
b. logistics preclude taking the ceremony elsewhere
c. often there are many disruptions at a "public" venue that distract from the solemn ceremony.(tourists walking around taking pictures etc)

Q. What is the cost of a wedding at St. Mark's?

A. The fee for 2006/7 is $1500.00. This includes the services of the Rector, Organist, Verger, , Altar Guild, maintenance, use of Addison Hall for washroom facilities and waiting area for Bridal party.

Q. How many people will the church accommodate?

A. 225 comfortably.

Q. Is there parking on the premises?

A. No, there is no parking within the gates. Parking is on the street. However, vehicles are allowed to drive in to drop off wedding party and to pick them up after the ceremony, but cannot remain on the property while the service is taking place.

FUNERALS

Q. How do I arrange a funeral?

A. Please contact the Rector directly by calling 905-468-3123

HALL RENTAL

Q. I want to book the Hall. How do I go about it?

A. You must fill out a Hall Rental Application form and it will be given to the Corporation for approval. Once approved you must provide the following:

1. $100 security deposit (to be returned 10 days after event if no repairs or extra cleaning is required)

2. $100 rental deposit

3. Proof of Liability Insurance: (a) for large groups or established groups, the insurance certificate MUST show St. Mark's Anglican Church, Niagara on the Lake AND The Synod of the Diocese of Niagara as additional insured parties, and a Hold Harmless Agreement must be signed (b) for small groups (e.g. receptions, small dinners, self-help groups) proof of home liability insurance must be supplied and a Hold Harmless Agreement must be signed
.
Hold Harmless Agreement - The purpose of a Hold Harmless agreement is to draw to the attention of the user the fact that there is some responsibility involved in the use of church property, and that they are going to be held responsible for their conduct in the building/parking or wherever. The point should be emphasized that a fee is only for the use of the facilities, not responsibility for security being assumed or implied.

Q. What are the fees for rental?

A. $300 for a 4 hr rental, $600 for over 4 hours.

A deposit of $100 is required at time of booking. In addition the security deposit of $100 must be made at that time (this will be returned to you 10 days after the event providing no repairs or extra cleaning is required). Final payment is due 5 days prior to the event.

Q. What are the hours of operation.

A. You can rent the Addison Hall between 9:00 am and 12:00 midnight. All persons must exit the premises by midnight.

Q. Can we serve alcohol?

A. In order to have alcohol on the premises, you must obtain a "Special Occasions Permit" from the LCBO and bring it with the final payment 5 days prior to the event. The permit MUST be displayed exactly where the alcohol is being served and MUST be visible and readable to all in attendance.

Q. How many people will the hall accommodate?

A. Dinner/Alcoholic beverages (102)
Seating only (140)
Chairs and tables (118)
Standing only (280)

Q. How late can we stay?
A. Everyone must be out by midnight.

Q. How do we get the keys?
A. Arrangements are made through the Parish Office at time of final payment.

USE OF CHURCH

Q. How do we book the use of the Church and what are the costs?

A. Arrangements are made through the Church office on an individual basis. stmarks@cogeco.net